The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]
Coachbuilders And Wheelwrights
Coachbuilders And Wheelwrights.
Mr. F. Eckmann.
McGregor, Francis, Coachbuilder and General Blacksmith, corner of Revell Street and Hampden Street, Hokitika. This business was founded by Mr. J. Jolly, in the early days of Hokitika, and conducted by him for many years, and was bought by Mr. McGregor in the year 1903. The premises page 511 consist of a wood and iron building, erected on a freehold corner section. The smith's shop contains two forges, and the coachbuilding department is equipped with all necessary tools and appliances; the premises also include a paint shop and and an office. All classes of vehicles, light and heavy, are made by Mr. McGregor.
Mr. Francis McGregor was born in the year 1867 in Banfishire, Scotland. He came to New Zealand with his parents in 1872, and landed at Port Chalmers by the ship “Janet Court.” Mr. McGregor was educated at Dunedin and Greymouth, afterwards learned his trade at Greymouth and was for some eight or nine years a member of the firm of McGregor and Sons. He then removed to Hokitika, was employed by Mr. F. Eckmann for about six years, and acquired his present business in the year 1903. Mr. McGregor was a member of the Order of Foresters at Greymouth, and passed through all the chairs in the local court. As a Freemason, he is a Past Master of Lodge Pacific, 1229, English Constitution. Mr. McGregor is further referred to as a lieutenant of the First Westland Rifles.
Mr. F. McGregor.
Raine, George, Wheelwright and Coachbuilder, Revell Street, Hokitika. This business was established by Mr. Raine in the year 1869. Mr. Raine was born in 1837, at Richmond, Yorkshire, England, where he went to school. He learned his trade at Barnard Castle, and afterwards went to Melbourne. Australia, in 1858. In 1861, Mr. Raine was attracted to New Zealand by the Gabriel's Gully rush in Otago, but returned in the following year to Australia. Seven years later, he came back to New Zealand, settled on the West Coast, and established his present business. Mr. Raine has been a member of the local hospital committee, and he was for eight years a member of the fire brigade. He married a daughter of the late Mr. E. Ennis, of Melbourne, in the year 1874. Mrs Raine died in May, 1901, leaving five daughters and one son.